Raspberry Chocolate Tiramisu

Just asking if any of you have noticed this. I turned 35 on Saturday (June 2nd) and although I had the house full of guests I did have some time to contemplate many things while working on a cooking project in the morning. Looking back at the things I have achieved in the past few years, the goals I have met (or not met) the challenges I have taken on and the new people in my life. The last fact made me smile.Being a person who has traveled from one country to another all my life, many of my friends are scattered all across the world. Most of my school friends are in different countries and those I met in my adult life are also living all over Europe. So, our talks or get togethers are mostly virtual or over the phone. On the whole it's OK. Sometimes, though, it is not very satisfying, when my best friend from school, who lives in LA and who I've known since we were 13, is having a relationship crisis and all I'd like to do is take him in my arms and give him a huge hug. I get mad at this often.

In the past year and a half, since I started blogging, I have met so many wonderful people. We met through our blogs, share that common passion, exchange mails, then start chatting regularly and it just clicks. For those who do not blog probably just cannot relate to this, but the bond is there. Strong, and funnily in some cases we do not know how the other one looks like until we exchange photos, but it's like we've known each other all our lives. Some stories are told on the blog, but it eventually goes beyond the blog when you share your life behind the scenes. Happy moments are shared and when the dark cloud hangs above the heads the shoulder to lean on is offered. This is what I have experienced in the past few weeks. I am wrapped in a wonderful sentimental bubble - and every time I think about some of the generosity and support so many of you have given me over the past few weeks I cannot help it - the tears automatically well up. Yes, the screen is a bit blurry right now too!

Since these twoposts I have had a flood of cards, mails and comments and each one went straight to the heart. I cried with each one. During this time a few of my dearest blog friends offered gentle comfort and that shoulder to cry on. I thank you for that. You know who you are. Then just as my mailbox started to go back to it's normal load of receiving mails, over the weekend, it was once again bulging to overload with birthday greetings and cheery birthday wishes post over at the Daring Bakers blog! The members of this group are a incredible cheery phenomenon by themselves, imagine what it's like when they all get together!! That's something I will have to save for another post. So, I spent part of my weekend opening fantastic ecards and emails. It made me so happy and .... yes I cried with each one!!!

As I sat down to write this post I could not help but wonder - have I become so sentimental in my old age? I think so. So, I'd like to dedicate this to all my friends and to friendship in general. To my friends who have accompanied me through a larger part of my life - you have been there through it all. You know what I'm talking about - my wildness, my moodiness, my craziness, my passions, my irritations - never once did you budge from my side and you always made me believe in myself.

To my blogger friends - you have become larger than life for me. You never seize to amaze me with your generosity, your support, your kindness, your spirit and your creativity. I am so very glad that our paths have crossed in this unconventional but wonderful way and I so look forward to our friendship.

I share with you a variation of one of my favorite desserts of all times - the Tiramisu. The light finger biscuits are layered with a chocolatey cream which is then covered in fruity raspberry. It contains all my favorite things - chocolate, raspberries and the Italian touch.

In a heavy saucepan heat the cream, then remove from heat and add the chopped chocolate. Stir until chocolate has melted and allow to cool for 10 minutes.

In the meantime whisk the mascarpone and quark in a mixing bowl until smooth. Pour in the chocolate cream and incorporate. In a smaller bowl mix together Grappa and lime juice.

Taking half of the lady finger biscuits, dip each one into the Grappa/lime juice mixture so that it is moist but not wet. Place the lady fingers in an even layer at the bottom of a rectangular, slightly deep dish.

Spread half of the chocolate/mascarpone cream on the lady fingers, then add half of the raspberries over the cream. Layer the rest of the lady fingers, which have been dipped into the remaining Grappa/lime juice mixture, over this spread the remaining chocolate cream and raspberries.

Cover with plastic wrap and allow to set in a refrigerator overnight. Before serving sprinkle with cocoa powder.

Cut into large-ish pieces and serve with a nice cup of espresso.

Tips and tricks

If you would like to make this Tiramisu without alcohol, substitute the Grappa with orange juice

Try raspberry syrup mixed with 4 tablespoons water to dip the lady fingers in

The perfect celebration dessert. It's not light, I'll let you in on that, but it's sinfully delicious. Each bite is a celebration of flavors, harmonizing to give the ultimate party in your mouth. Tom and Soeren are big fans of the original Tiramisu and I was wondering if this variation would match up to their expectations. I believe it did. The light lady fingers, kissed by the aroma of grappa, the creamy, smooth chocolate cream tantalized by the tart, fruity flavors of raspberries - it was heaven!

45 comments:

Hey Sweetie,If there was an award for MOST LOVED FOOD BLOGGER,that would surely be you, because of your special way of being in touch with everyone and being there for everyone....Though we haven't met ( and i surely hope to someday) that hasn't in anyway hampered me from knowing you or loving you....our hours of chat make me feel very close to you already! I wish you a world of happiness, health and prosperity (and creative satisfaction- coz I know how important it is to you) in life!

A very Happy Birthday to you Meeta ! I hope your list of friends just keeps getting longer and I don't doubt that it wont given your wonderful personality. The love that you get just reflects upon the love that you share. And I second Nandita's view about the award :)

Hey there gorgeous! Many many happy returns of the day and a big hug for you! I'm sure you find a way to be in touch with all your friends. You may not be there, but the thought that a friend is thinking of you is very heart warming! Have a great year ahead filled with fun, love and surprises :)

Happy Birthday Meeta, old age?? Gee I could give you quite a few years - well, almost 20 to be exact :) Lovely post, your friends all love you!! That is quite possibly the most desirable tiramisu I have ever seen. Droolingly good!!!

Happy Birthday Meeta!!hey come on!! its u'r birthday!don't be emotional!!!U did bring back my memories of friends and close friends Meeta.I did miss friends as well after i moved to UK.But when u get a small wish or an ecard wishing you makes it all worthwhile and very emotional as well.U are a very nice and sweet person who is just 35 and life has just begun !!

OMG! Can you believe this? I made you something with Italian ladyfingers and mascarpone for your birthday!I am really thrilled of the way you have entered my life and always push me to think forward.I am glad you had a special day!

Dear Meeta,A very Happy Birthday to you! May God bless you and shower loads of happiness on u..What u have written is true. Blog friends share a special virtual bond with each other..Abt growing older, I can't comment..You see, I am still sixteen:))

Beautiful dessert! The photos turned out fabulous. And Happy belated birthday to you! Old? Let's talk, girl. It's all about your mind...And agree with you about this unusual, but amazing community. I enjoy it immensely.

Thank you for the heartfelt post, Meeta and for the lovely dessert as well. Tiramisu has always been a staple in our household, and the addition of raspberries is brilliant! Wishing you many more happy birthdays and happy blogging years!

Belated Birthday Wishes Meeta.... Wish you many many years of happiness and friendship.... Your posts are wonderful and your photographs are always a sight for the sour eyes... keep up the good work... Hugs to you...

wow!Meeta. Wish u many happy returns of the day.I am glad I know you more than just as a feloow blogger and I just love ur way of writing with an all enmcompassing feel of the world. i was always sentimental but u are right, age does make the heart grow softer.:)

Thank you for visiting What's For Lunch, Honey? and taking time to browse through my recipes, listen to my ramblings and enjoy my photographs. I appreciate all your comments, feedback and input. I will answer your questions to my best knowledge and respond to your comments as soon as possible.

In the meantime I hope you enjoy your stay here and that I was able to make this an experience for your senses.

Hello, I am Meeta a freelance food photographer, stylist and writer living in the cuturally rich city of Weimar, Germany with my husband and our son, where I enjoy preparing multi-cultural home cooked meals with fresh organic ingredients. What's for lunch, Honey? is my award winning food blog where I combine my love for food with my love for photography and styling...